Pioneer Elite's VS

bigaudiofanatic

With me looking for a new receiver I have two coming to my door step.

First is a VSX-81txv and the second is a VSX-82TXS

The 81 showed up today and after wiring things up quickly things sounded better but got staticy at higher volumes. First how can it be better yet smaller and lighter than my current receiver? Also is it actually better than my VSX-56TXi?

Also will the VSX-82TXS be better than the 81?

Sherardp

Get the 94 or try the IceAmps and see how you like those (SC-05/07, SC-25/27, SC-35/37)

bigaudiofanatic

That is not one of the choices.

AsSiMiLaTeD

So what are you asking exactly? You're getting both models in right? So just listen to them and decide for yourself which you like better. Are you asking us to tell you what you think sounds better, or do you have specific questions?

bigaudiofanatic

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

With me looking for a new receiver I have two coming to my door step.

First is a VSX-81txv and the second is a VSX-82TXS

The 81 showed up today and after wiring things up quickly things sounded better but got staticy at higher volumes. First how can it be better yet smaller and lighter than my current receiver? Also is it actually better than my VSX-56TXi?

Also will the VSX-82TXS be better than the 81?

This mainly

sm88

The substantial portion of weight in any piece of electronic equipment is usually derived from the heat sinks, solid hunks of metal, second being toroidal or other forms of transformers. So while heavy is certainly not a bad attribute, it isn't always a defining quality. The new Class D amps (icepower, for example) don't need massive heat sinks and weigh very little, so they can be placed into much smaller, lighter units. Additionally, the transformer in the receiver might be slightly smaller, and the internal configuration might be laid out in a more compact manner - units that run hotter benefit from additional airspace.

Better is a relative term in this case, if you like the features more and if you perceive that sound it produces to be better then it isn't such a tough call.

kawizx9r

You're looking for a new AVR?

It's your choice to purchase whatever it is you want, but may I ask why? You just got your AVR not long ago, and honestly I'd suggest upgrading your amp. You're running ML's off your AVR and that's just a no-no.....just my .02

bigaudiofanatic

No HDMI inputs in my current elite which is a no brainer why I want to upgrade. Also been wanting a amp but none at a good price have showed up. I know all about getting the ML's a amp I do not need to be told that.

sm88

Does your blu-ray player have analog 7.1 outputs? If so, you can still get TrueHD and lossless from Blu-ray's using your old receiver

bigaudiofanatic

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108340

messiah

I have a feeling it's for hdmi Freddy.

kawizx9r

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

No HDMI inputs in my current elite which is a no brainer why I want to upgrade.

Well, I beg to differ....alot of people here run non-hdmi equipped receivers AND would suggest an external amp over a new AVR if you've already got one since you're using Martin Logans on your AVR.

You said it yourself, you push those volume levels and are afraid to kill your AVR. Let's say you spend that money on the new AVR, continue running ML's off of it and then kill the new one? :eek:

Unless you need several HDMI in's, I'd opt for a better bluray player (since one thats a weakpoint in your signature and 2 several good ones can be had for super cheap). I picked up a Sony BDP-1000ES for a hundred bucks new in box, an ES player! Has Sony's badass video chip with video quality on par with the Pioneer Elites (as others have compared). That and it has internal decoding+analog outputs for sending the new surround out to old non-hdmi equipped receivers. And let's not forget the Pioneer BDP-51FD I sold for just $140, also a badass player to use with non-hdmi equipped AVRs.

Said more than I had to

But really, external amp > AVR IMHO.

bigaudiofanatic

sm88 wrote: »

Does your blu-ray player have analog 7.1 outputs? If so, you can still get TrueHD and lossless from Blu-ray's using your old receiver

Not a 100 dollar insignia no it does not. That will be what I upgrade this winter. Trust me I wanted HDMI and the one I have now I can trade for my current one the other one that is coming needs a repair and getting dirt cheap.

kawizx9r

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

I know all about getting the ML's a amp I do not need to be told that.

No one said you needed to be told that, but more like you needed to be reminded of it.

It's pointless, I'll just read from here on out. Goodluck.

bigaudiofanatic

kawizx9r wrote: »

Well, I beg to differ....alot of people here run non-hdmi equipped receivers AND would suggest an external amp over a new AVR if you've already got one since you're using Martin Logans on your AVR.

You said it yourself, you push those volume levels and are afraid to kill your AVR. Let's say you spend that money on the new AVR, continue running ML's off of it and then kill the new one? :eek:

Unless you need several HDMI in's, I'd opt for a better bluray player (since one thats a weakpoint in your signature and 2 several good ones can be had for super cheap). I picked up a Sony BDP-1000ES for a hundred bucks new in box, an ES player! Has Sony's badass video chip with video quality on par with the Pioneer Elites (as others have compared). That and it has internal decoding+analog outputs for sending the new surround out to old non-hdmi equipped receivers. And let's not forget the Pioneer BDP-51FD I sold for just $140, also a badass player to use with non-hdmi equipped AVRs.

Said more than I had to

But really, external amp > AVR IMHO.

I see a good AVR being a strong thing to have do I have one yes but I wanted HDMI and HD DTS decoding threw this. That is one of the reasons I wanted to upgrade. You seem to be judging me for wanting something in my own setup but yet will not agree that HDMI is a good thing to have for BR and other things as well.

bigaudiofanatic

kawizx9r wrote: »

No one said you needed to be told that, but more like you needed to be reminded of it.

It's pointless, I'll just read from here on out. Goodluck.

Apparently you did not see this either. Or the fact that after I do a install I will be paid in a amp.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108417

kawizx9r

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

I see a good AVR being a strong thing to have do I have one yes but I wanted HDMI and HD DTS decoding threw this. That is one of the reasons I wanted to upgrade. You seem to be judging me for wanting something in my own setup but yet will not agree that HDMI is a good thing to have for BR and other things as well.

Not judging you, reread that part where I said "unless you need several HDMI in's" (inputs, as in plural).

If it was mainly for the codecs though, it's why I suggested those players just to name a few. Read up on the San Diego Gathering, I even posted the box of the Sony BDP-1000ES I got just 2-3 days ago at Bestbuy for only $100 bucks. It has ALL internal decoding sent out via HDMI or analog outputs, internal 4gb memory and networking features. Will easily kill that Insignia and it's affordable as heck too.

kawizx9r

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

Apparently you did not see this either. Or the fact that after I do a install I will be paid in a amp.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108417

I didn't, I'm in the middle of getting a Stage 1 and juggling forums but I shouldn't have to explain that since it wasn't mentioned in this thread itself.

What I explained was just some logical advice, I'm not forcing it down your throat so take it with a grain of salt but I was just trying to find the logic behind your choice.

bigaudiofanatic

I will look into that but When I have a atv br player, and soon to be a cable box I wanted simplicity and the decoding of the hdmi receivers. I barely piad any money at all for both total like I said one is a trade the other was like 120 bucks plus repair. A GOOD amp is going to run at least 350 or more. I am working on getting a amp that will come soon. Just can upgrade other things in the meantime.

bigaudiofanatic

kawizx9r wrote: »

I didn't, I'm in the middle of getting a Stage 1 and juggling forums but I shouldn't have to explain that since it wasn't mentioned in this thread itself.

What I explained was just some logical advice, I'm not forcing it down your throat so take it with a grain of salt but I was just trying to find the logic behind your choice.

Again HDMI and decoding. Even if I bought the sony I would still have to buy three sets of rca cables.

Sherardp

kawizx9r wrote: »

No one said you needed to be told that, but more like you needed to be reminded of it.

It's pointless, I'll just read from here on out. Goodluck.

You can make a ton of recommendations with BigA, and get no where with it. I mainly sit on the sidelines with it also man. Welcome to the club.

Sherardp

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

Again HDMI and decoding. Even if I bought the sony I would still have to buy three sets of rca cables.

I already told you the Pio 94 man which gives you everything your looking for.

kawizx9r

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

Again HDMI and decoding. Even if I bought the sony I would still have to buy three sets of rca cables.

Buying an affordable player will leave you cash for better cables...

Sherardp wrote: »

You can make a ton of recommendations with BigA, and get no where with it. I mainly sit on the sidelines with it also man. Welcome to the club.

I see that, but it's kind of like when you're at the store looking at stuff....and you hear a sales associate telling a customer this/that, pretty much saying the same old BS to get the customer to cough up more than he/she needs. I've always felt obligated to say something and save the poor chap some money while teaching him/her something at the same time.

That's how I felt when I read this knowing what he's running and what his priority should be. (keyword)

Sherardp wrote: »

I already told you the Pio 94 man which gives you everything your looking for.

LOL See?! You just can't help it either :D;)

bigaudiofanatic

Lol yep and when you make suggestions like it is my only choice sounds like your being stuck up. Already said amp is coming wanted hdmi but apparently that is not really important to myself for wanting. Come to think of it so it is ok to swap out and try different cables amps and more focused on..pre amps bit god forbid I change out a receiver for 100 bucks.

cstmar01

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

With me looking for a new receiver I have two coming to my door step.

First is a VSX-81txv and the second is a VSX-82TXS

The 81 showed up today and after wiring things up quickly things sounded better but got staticy at higher volumes. First how can it be better yet smaller and lighter than my current receiver? Also is it actually better than my VSX-56TXi?

Also will the VSX-82TXS be better than the 81?

So in what way are these AVR's supposed to be "better"? Is it better video processing, better setup features, better power supply, etc. Stated something is better without stating in what area is very hard to pin point. I can say subject A is better because I like it, and subject B sucks. I never told you why or even what I was referring to as to why I like A better than B and thus not giving insight as to what you feel is supposed to be "better" doesn't allow anyone to take that information and either A help your or B give you opinions as you seek.

The biggest thing you talk about is the AVR and SQ and getting that set up. Seeing you are getting an external amp why are you worried about what it is sounding like now running the AVR's amps? They are not made to see a 4 ohm load which your speakers are (and probably less if you see a chart of freq vs load) which is to explain why the thing sounds bad at higher volumes.

IT IS NOT MADE TO RUN A 4 OHM LOAD!!

So even though you are getting an amp in the future, I would say you could still pick up a used adcom for around 200-250 bucks that would better power them (even though yeah not the greatest amp it will be better for the AVR to take the strain off, and better for the speakers to get the power). Then you could easily sell off the amp for the same price paid once you get the other.

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

No HDMI inputs in my current elite which is a no brainer why I want to upgrade. Also been wanting a amp but none at a good price have showed up. I know all about getting the ML's a amp I do not need to be told that.

have you looked at audiogon for amps? Parasound, adcom, B&K, etc has lower priced amps that are made to see a 4 ohm load.

Also why is HDMI a no brainer? As the other stated you can still use a player that has internal decoding and use the multi channel inputs which will still give you the sound quality. You could then also just run the HDMI to your TV to get the video output. Pio BDP-51FD allows this and you can easily get the thing on the used market for less than 150 bucks. Great audio and video play back. I'm sure others allow the same thing.

HDMI does make things easier, HOWEVER if you like what you currently have there are still ways to use it without having to switch everything over to HDMI.

Also I would say do room treatments things like that first before doing the AVR upgrade as that will have a large impact on your SQ as well.


http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1292629640&/Adcom-GFA-545-used-but-works-g

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1291763885&/Adcom-gfa-535l-power-amplifier

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1291156485&/Adcom-GFA-545-power-amplifier-

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1291946534&/Parasound-HCA-750A-2-channel-s

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1291674245&/Parasound-HCA-500-

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1291656186&/Parasound-HCA-1000-Price-drop!

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1293131892&/B-K-ST-140-2-channel-105-watts

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1291215492&/B-K-ST1400-series-II-bal.-and-
super budget amp....

bigaudiofanatic

Thank you for the recommendations, I have been thinking about room treatments and will start something soon. I understand the 4 ohm and peoples concern.